Pentax introduces trio of pennywise Optio cameras

by Stevie Smith - Jan 26 2010, 07:07

Better late than never. Although the window of opportunity for rolling out new digital cameras was perhaps during the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, imaging specialist Pentax is still hoping to capture a little of the fading limelight after releasing a trio of new Optio point-and-shoot devices.

According to Pentax, its Optio I-10, Optio H90 and Optio E90 boast designs so unique “that not one can be labelled as ‘just another silver digital camera’.” However, beyond pleasing aesthetic descriptions such as “slim and stylish” and “intelligent ergonomic design” and “functional beauty,” it’s what lies beneath that’s likely to tempt or stay consumers.

First up is the Optio I-10, which takes its visual inspiration from conventional SLR cameras and features a 12.1 mega pixel high-resolution CCD sensor, a wide-angle 5x optical zoom lens, a solid 2.7-inch widescreen LCD display, and HD video capture at 720p and 30 frames per second (fps).

Other contributing elements in the $300 USD unit include Eye-Fi wireless connectivity, improved Shake Reduction technology, Smile Capture, Blink Detection and enhanced Face Detection for up to 32 faces (including cats and dogs). The Optio I-10 is due to hit retail this coming February.

Next up is the Optio H90, which comes attached to a price tag of $180 USD and also offers a 12.1 mega pixel sensor, a wide-angle 5x optical zoom lens, HD video capture at 720p and 30fps, Eye-Fi wireless connectivity, Shake Reduction, Face Detection, Smile Capture and Blink Detection. Expect the Optio H90 to arrive next month.

Bringing up the rear is the new Optio E90, which costs a mere $100 USD and delivers a 10.1 mega pixel CCD, a 3x wide-angle zoom, and a 2.7-inch LCD display housed in a rubber-coated body for assured grip. Powered by two AA batteries for a travel-friendly design, the Optio E90 also has an Auto Picture mode, Shake Reduction and an ISO ceiling of 6400. As with its stablemates, the Optio E90 will launch in February.

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